Capetonians are channelling their passion for Palestine into something creative. Since the start of the conflict in Gaza a month ago, a number of locals are being more than social media ‘clicktivists’ and creating novel ideas.  Despite the horror of the military assault on Gaza, one of the more positive things is the amount of Palestinian merchandise being made locally, proceeds which will be sent to the war ravaged region or donated to charities locally for humanitarian aid. The products range from bumper stickers, under bands, flags, Free Gaza cycling shirts to the free Gaza badges.

One of the few donating the proceeds made is Nathier Abrahams, who started his informal business called Stickers for Gaza. The bumper stickers are made from vinyl material for outdoor signage available for just R10 each and 50% of the proceeds made are donated to Gaza.

To date Latief has raised R 5 500 to assist Gift of the Givers who are providing medical relief work in Gaza.

“The concept was just to create bumper stickers to raise awareness for Gaza because we thought that having the stickers on cars would create quite an impact, especially while sitting in traffic,” said Abrahams.

Shameema Daniels is using her passion for hijaab to create under-caps and flags in the Palestinian colours. Daniels said that orders started flooding in and she then had to ask her mother to help make the under bands to wear underneath one’s scarf. She cannot keep up with the demand especially since one of the biggest solidarity marches is approaching this weekend.

“It was my vision to help women show their unification but then I saw the high demand for the flags as well. I will be donating all my proceeds to Darun-Na’im, who have a Gaza fund raising project currently,” said Daniels.

Ebrahim Sulaiman from Fairways is targeting students through t-shirts. His simple slogan style is in high demand.  Sulaiman has misappropriated logo of a high-end fashion brand and this statement seems to be attracting young people.

He has asked ever client wearing the t-shirt to take a ‘selfie’ (self portrait) and post it on Twitter, using the hashtag #Capehustle.  The t-shirts retail for R100, a portion which will be donated to a local organisation for Gaza.

“One of my friends came to me in Ramadan and showed me a picture, asking if I could make something similar. Since I started, I have orders from America, Germany and Dubai.”

If you want something warmer, then Faheem Jackson has you covered with his range of ‘hoodie’ track-tops.  The black tops are printed with a Palestinian flag colours, with the slogan ‘End Israeli Occupation’.

Jackson runs Silat classes, a form of Malaysian martial arts. He was inspired by the Silat code of conduct, which is underpinned by self defence and standing up for justice.

“The sales have been good, alhamdullilah and we have over 70 orders since starting on Wednesday. I think the response has been amazing,” he said.

Noor Latief said that as much as he wanted to make T- shirts as well as badges, he has been struggling to get reasonably prices T- shirts to print on. He has however opted to make a sincere contribution by making badges and selling them at R10 each of which the profit will be donated to Gift of the Givers.

“The idea was my wife’s and we then clubbed together money to start to make the badges and start an awareness campaign,” said Latief.

From cupcakes, to headscarves, snoods and cycling tops, locals can find almost anything emblazoned with Palestine symbolism. These and other activists believe that while they cannot do much, affirming their unity with Palestine is a small gesture.

To purchase any merchandise, contact the retailers below. Also visit the VOC Facebook page for other stockists.

Contact details:

Nathier Abrahams  0827059913

Shameema Daniels 0793996664

Ebrahim Sulaiman 084 995 2589

Faheem Jackson 071 869 8240.